Elianna Denis runs with the ball in the win over Irvington last season.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange High School girls flag football team, under head coach Andrew Mazurek, hopes to have another strong season.
This year’s senior captains are wide receiver Nola Duncan (all-state receiver last year, 1,377 yards and 18 touchdowns in her two seasons); and defensive backs Maliya Vinas and Jazmyne Nuguid, who was an original member from WOHS’ first season in 2023.
The juniors are rusher Jacinya Garner (first-team all-state defense, 106 tackles, 39 sacks in her first two seasons); quarterback Elianna Denis (3,117 passing yards and 34 TDs in her first two seasons); and RB/DB Shanise Barrino (698 total yards, 9 TDs in her first season playing offense; 73 tackles and 22 sacks over her first two seasons).
Other leaders/impact players include the following:
Senior WR Jailee Samson, a first-ever four year starter.
Junior LB Luana Denardi, who will lead the defense at middle linebacker this year.
Junior safety Caia Mendez and junior rusher Dani Seldon, who will be new starters and will strengthen the defense this year.
Junior center/cornerback Gabby Sulit, who is a three-year starter and changes the game on both sides of the ball.
Sophomore WR/S Olivia Masse, who is a rising star in the state and a true breakout playmaker.
Other key role players are sophomore WRs Jaylee Jackson and Brianna Jackson, sophomore rusher Emerie Godfrey, junior RB Nyla Casey, junior DBs Auggie Stevens and Fatima Eltayeb, and senior rusher Keissy Fernandez.
“The preseason has been going great,” said Mazurek. “We competed in the Mount Olive Tournament on March 20 and won it for the second season in a row. We have a strong core of multi-year starting players that are operating at a high football I.Q. level with great speed, agility and athleticism. The team is very close and has built great team chemistry. We are looking to build on our end-of-season No. 15 ranking in the state by NJ.com and compete for our second straight division championship and work to win the state championship this season. The preseason rankings just came out today and we are No. 7 in the state.
“The main factors to succeeding will be continuing to work and improve on our preparation and attention to detail. We will continue to attack everyday with an aggressive style of play in a highly energetic and positive atmosphere. We can’t wait for gameday.” The Mountaineers’ first game is Wednesday, April 8, at Nutley at 6:30 p.m.
Photos Courtesy of Andrew Mazurek
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